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Consequences

by Hiver

Chapter 12

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Trotting out of my publisher's office, I looked around and took in the sight of Canterlot around me. Such a contrast to somewhere like Manehattan.

Canterlot really was the seat of government. Manehattan reminded me a bit of cities on earth, the architecture was way different than in Canterlot, reminding me a bit of Earth actually. Taller buildings, much more crowded. Not much technology. Well, not any more than here in any case. Just... busier.

Higher pace.

Then again, quite a bit of Canterlot was centered around the castle or the nobles, it was the seat of a multi-thousand year old diarchy, after all, instead of being a naturally buzzing metropolis and trade port like Manehattan.

Why else build a city on the side of a mountain, other than for it to be impressive? Hardly a natural spot for it, even for Pegasi, and it wasn't even a Pegasus city.

As familiar as Manehattan was, I must say I preferred Canterlot; and not just because the ponies I knew here. I never was one for the big city life.

Turning to the right, I started down the street. For once I was on my own... well, at least visibly. Skitter had disappeared when I left the castle grounds, but I had no doubt that she was still around. She did that sometimes. I had no idea why, but I figured it was to practice stealth or something.

I had given up trying to spot her most of the time when she didn't want to be spotted.

Two weeks back in Canterlot, and it still felt good to be back home. Being on the road for months was tiring. Okay, we traveled mostly by rail, and a bit by boat but; we did spend a whole week walking at one point. But it was surprisingly tiring and stressful.

I was so going to do it again at some point, but next time I need to find some way to convince Luna to come with. It was fun with just Skitter, but I really, really missed my marefriend.

Entering the market, I spotted some fresh apples. Awesome, the first harvest must be done. That was another thing that was different from earth. Availability of foods.
Some stuff was simply not available during late winter or spring. Apples were not among them, they were still around pretty much all year as they could be stored pretty effectively, but for the last couple of months the, for lack of a better word, 'fresh' apples had been of really dubious quality. Oh, you could still find actual fresh apples from the earlier ripening breeds during the summer but they were relatively rare.

And quite frankly I didn't quite like those, they were always slightly sour.

“Five apples please.” I said as I got to the counter.

“That'll be ten bits, sir.” The pink earth pony mare behind the counter said and picked out some apples to put on the counter.

I raised an eyebrow at that, “A bit steep.”

“First harvest. And I think you will agree it will be worth it once you tasted them, sir.” She countered with a bright smile, “Straight from Sweet Apple Acres. They are the royal suppliers as well.”

That was a good point, I could likely go to the kitchens at the castle. But that would mean going back there and... I didn't want to just rely on Luna's wealth. I knew it was silly, but I still wanted to pay my way when I could.

I considered the apples for a second, tapping my hoof against the cobblestone square. Finally I nodded, “Very well.” I finally agreed, “Two bits a apple.” and started to count the money out with my magic.

In a couple of weeks they would be quarter that price. But I was really craving for a fresh apple and I really didn't feel like standing here haggling for five minutes just to save a couple of bits at most.

“Thank you, sir.” she answered cheerfully as she scooped the bits up and into her money pouch. First harvest or not, I felt like I'd just been played.

Putting the apples in my bag, I then continued along the market as I took a bite from the first one after looking it over.

...Oh man that's juicy and sweet. If anything, I felt like I should go back and pay more. Because damn.

Finishing the apple on my way, I walked into my favorite cafe to spot one of my favorite pegasi.

“Lord Page! Welcome back!”, Silver Leaf exclaimed from the counter with a smile and her wings held high as I entered.

“Thank you, Silver. But you know you don't need to call me that.” I said with a smile of my own as I took in the scent of the small cafe. Tea, baked goods, and that other accursed brew we shall not speak of.

It smelled... it smelled perfect.

She shifted her wings in a small shrug, still smiling, “I know. But I kinda like the sound of it.”

I just shook my head with a smile, “Sorry I have not been by earlier, been kinda busy since I returned to Canterlot.”

Glancing around that none of the other customers were paying attention, she stuck her tongue out at me quickly before she grinned, “I only heard you were back last week. I did think I would see you soon but I figured you were busy.

I sighed softly at that, “More than I would like, I'm afraid. I finished writing my next book while I was away,and I spent pretty much ofthe last two weeks editing and rewriting parts that needed to be fixed.”

Next time, I'm so sending the draft to Twilight for an early read and error check. She was amazing and her notes had been a wondrous help during the editing process.

“Really!? That's awesome! More in the Jedi series?”

“Not this time. Spy novel.” I answered and shook my head, “I'll get you a signed copy as soon as they start getting back from the presses.”

“You don't need to do that.”

I just grinned and winked, “Have to keep my favorite barista happy somehow.”

“Silver! Are you flirting with the customers again?” a voice asked loudly from from the kitchen out back.

Silver Leaf cringed slightly, “No, dad!” she yelled back before she smiled at me, “So what can I get you today, Lord page?”

“Surprise me.”

Next Chapter: Chapter 13 Estimated time remaining: 2 Hours, 53 Minutes
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